Midget38 Interviews tillsontitan
Insights from an intrinsically-motivated writer
Mary, could you share with us how you got started writing for HubPages?
Like so many others, I was surfing the Internet and came across this writing site. It looked legit and didn't cost anything so I thought "why not?" I've always wanted to write and this looked like a good place to start. I was retired and figured I finally had the time to write and looking at how HubPages was set up, I thought I might learn something along the way, which I do every day from fellow Hubbers.
You are a prolific writer, exploring genres ranging from entertainment to health and poetry. What influences your writing style?
That's a tough question to answer. I never really thought about what influences me, something pops into my head and I think, "that's a good thing to write about." Other topics come from life experiences. It's so easy to write about something you are very familiar with or something you really like. I love music and movies, so to me they're a no brainer. Sometimes I have to reel myself in because I get carried away and write too much. Other times I have what I think is a great idea until I start trying to write about it.
The poetry is more of a lark for me. I like to write humorous poetry more than things that are serious and I certainly don't consider myself a poet. I think my writing style is just me. I try to write the way I talk. I want people to feel like they're not just reading what I write but listening to me and getting to know me.
3. What motivates you to keep writing? Do you have any advice for writers struggling to overcome writer’s block, or those just starting in the profession?
I hate to sound like I'm repeating other writers, but the truth is, write! Write things down when you think of them; write out what you think you want to write about; just keep writing. Of course, the best thing to help you keep writing is to read. You'd be surprised by the places in which you find things to write about. It's pretty obvious when you're writing a book review, but other times it just hits you. I wrote a Hub about waiting in a doctor's office (pretty obvious), but I was bored sitting there and started thinking about what was going on around me, how others might feel, and voila, a Hub!
My first Hub was about my dog, that was the easiest subject I could think of at that time and it turns out it is one of my most popular Hubs. Next I wrote about my Celiac Disease and after that there was no stopping me.
What motivates you as a writer?
I know this is going to sound silly, but writing is what motivates me. I love to start and see what happens. Obviously there are times I sit there and get frustrated because what I thought I wanted to write about takes me nowhere, but other times I start with something simple and feel like I could write forever.
The other thing that motivates me is HubPages and its community. When I read the fabulous things other people have written I want to join in and decide it is time to write something good so I can hang out with them.
Who would you say influenced you most as a writer?
This is another tough one. I've been an avid reader all my life and have always been a sci-fi and fantasy fan, though I'll read anything put in front of me including the cereal box. I have favorite authors like Edgar Allen Poe, Anne McCaffrey, Cornelia Otis Skinner, Dorothy Parker, and so many wonderful, talented writers right here on HubPages. I've read stories on HubPages that would make marvelous books to rival any popular author. Hopefully, my reading will continue to influence my writing.
Thank you for this interview midget38. Now you've made me stop and think more about my writing and maybe it will help motivate me more!
|
